Catherine O’Hara, the celebrated Canadian actor known for her iconic roles in “Home Alone” and “Schitt’s Creek,” died January 30 at age 71 from a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as an underlying cause, according to a Los Angeles County death certificate issued Monday. The news, initially reported as following a “brief illness,” now offers a clearer picture of the circumstances surrounding her passing.
A Career Defined by Comedic Brilliance
O’Hara’s five-decade career showcased a remarkable range, from beloved family films to critically acclaimed television.
The death certificate revealed O’Hara had been under the care of an oncologist since March of last year, with a final consultation on January 27. She passed away at a hospital in Santa Monica, California, and was subsequently cremated. Her initial diagnosis was rectal cancer, which contributed to the pulmonary embolism—a blockage of an artery in the lungs—that was listed as the immediate cause of death.
From “SCTV” to “Schitt’s Creek”
O’Hara’s career spanned decades, beginning with her work on the Canadian sketch comedy show “SCTV.” She became a household name playing Kate McCallister, Macaulay Culkin’s mother, in the wildly popular “Home Alone” films. Later, she garnered widespread acclaim and an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Moira Rose, the delightfully eccentric matriarch in the sitcom “Schitt’s Creek,” which premiered in 2015.
Throughout her career, O’Hara also appeared in numerous television series, including “Six Feet Under,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “The Studio.” She received an Emmy nomination for her role in the HBO production “Temple Grandin.” Her collaborative spirit shone through her seven films with longtime friend and “SCTV” alum Eugene Levy, including four mockumentaries directed by Christopher Guest.
A Flood of Tributes
Following the news of her death, tributes poured in from colleagues and fans alike. Macaulay Culkin shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, posting images from “Home Alone” and a Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, writing, “Mama. I thought we had time… I love you. I’ll see you later.”
Michael Keaton, who co-starred with O’Hara in “Beetlejuice” and “The Paper,” expressed his grief on Instagram, stating, “She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend. This one hurts.”
Seth Rogen, who recently worked with O’Hara on the Apple TV series “The Studio,” shared his admiration on Instagram, describing her as “hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous… she made me want to make our show good enough to be worthy of her presence in it.” He added, “We’re all lucky we got to live in a world with her in it.”
